Train To My Marriage

A throwback

"Shruthi wait.... Stop running... I won't rest until I catch you"

"Really? Then you'll have to ruin your whole life running"

Arya panted and panted,losing as Shruthi said.
"Okay, I do accept that you're a brilliant runner! But why don't you give up for your bestie? "He pouted.

"Oh Arya! You're my bestie, aren't you? Why don't you rejoice seeing me win? "She smirked.

"Why don't you stupid friends stop playing funny games even after completing your school? You are going to step into your first year tomorrow, don't forget that" said Ruchi aunty, arya's mom.

Arya Mittal -The best companion Shruthi has got during her higher secondary days. He wasn't a kind of a flirt nor does he has ever proposed a girl. He was such a genuine and a very good philosophical friend.

Shruthi felt lucky to have been  introduced to him and she never knew she would be that close to him,to the limit of sharing all her emotions!

Arya stayed at Bangalore with his mom. His dad was a military officer and he took his first son for a training at a military camp. As Arya wasn't interested in Army, he decided to stay with his mom.

The next day the two friends stepped into their college with eyes filled with mere expectations.

"Will we find a gang for ourselves in this college,like being portrayed in movies Shruthi? "Arya asked in an excited tone as he watched students wandering in groups.

"Come on Arya, don't get into your imaginary world again! This is just our first day idiot! I'm not sure if our seniors will treat us in a good way or ra... "

"Hey you, the red pick, get here at once "said a stern voice from behind.

Shruthi and Arya checked their outfits and they realised the one being called was none other than Shruthi herself!

"Fate! Ragging! Enjoy! "Arya whispered as they turned and walked towards a gang of boys seated on their respective motor-bikes.

"Hey you, what's your sweet name? "

"Agh... Shruthi"she muttered.

"Wow... Shruthi... That's not so sweet! How about Sweetie? "-his friend.

Her head remained staring at the ground.

"We called only the girl, why did you walk behind her like a hutch dog?" The one who looked like  the leader of the gang asked Arya.

"I'm Arya,her friend "

"So? "

"Sir... I've joined BE and she's into B tech.. "

"Hey blabber boy, come here and do what we say."A strong arm pulled him off towards a tree where similar boys were found without their shirts and some standing upside down with their hands and some were found singing and dancing awkwardly!

Shruthi was really very scared when Arya, her only hope left her! He signalled her silently and left the place. Her gaze was yet glued to the ground.

"Sweetie, do you find any handsome man buried under your feet? Why don't you look into our faces so that you may select one among us your partner? "This time it was another.

Shruthi was a bold girl but not then!

Mishandled situations may lead to severe  consequences.

She had to stay among these geese for four years from now. So she remained silent not to utter anything silly.

But the gang of four weren't in an idea to let her easily. Attracted by her innocent beauty, one or the other tried to own her company.

But her I'm-not-your-type behaviour irritated them and one of them took her forearm sternly and started pinching it.

"What are you doing! Leave me! Don't behave like this please! Please let me go! "She pleaded, struggling to get over the shock.

When he tried to near her, someone from nowhere freed her from his grip and slapped his cheek.

She let down her tears and went a few steps back, frightened! She wasn't expecting the act going on then!

"What the heck are you trying to do Vishal! She is our junior and that doesn't mean you can hurt her! Hurting is far, you dare not touch her! How could you do that you  ******* *****!"He sweared at him.

"Hey relax Dhruv! He was just trying to bring her to our control. Just to make her feel free with us. Sorry Dhruv, actually it was a mistake! So sorry! " The leader of the gang said.

"Sorry Dhruv"said the one who was called Vishal and left the place rubbing his cheeks.

"Ragging is okay but you have to know your limits. As the college Secretary I have full rights to rule you off you bloody bucks! Every year you do repeat it and warn Vishal that he'll get pissed off if he repeats it ever again"His anguished tone made everyone watch him with awe. With equal apologies to Shruthi and Dhruv everyone left the place, leaving their bikes behind.

Shruthi was shocked to find a guy helping her get through that situation. Her shock turned to gratitude and for the first time she lifted her gaze and looked at him who was already looking at her.

He suddenly took his eyes off and said"I'm sorry on behalf of them. Ragging isn't permitted in this premise but these people never allow themselves to follow the rules. And in your case, I'm really sorry. Is that paining? "He pointed  her forearm.

"No that's fine. Thank you so much." She was about to leave when he said "Don't forget to wipe your tears off. This is your first day and your first impression is very important.
And remove the part of your smudged kajal. "

Shruthi turned towards him, clearing her cheeks. She didn't know what to say as he sounded too concerned. As if understanding her what-should-i-do-now look, he stood in front of her, giving his charming smile.

"I'm Dhruv, third year B tech. College secretary. If you again face their trouble, I advice you to report to me, you understand? "He asked without removing his smile on his face.

At that moment, shruthi found his words and deed so convincing and supportive and so recipricating a smile as she said, "Thank you so much sir, that's so kind of you."

"Your welcome. "After taking a few steps forward he turned to say her
"It's a sin not to appreciate beauty, your smile looks gorgeous on your cute face."
Without a word after it, he walked toward his bike and rode off  to a distance.

Shruthi was dumbstruck with what she heard. She has been complimented by many  through out her school, but this was the first time in college, everything just happened felt like a scene from her dad's movie!

'He was so friendly and he even saved me from those bustards. He would've just said it to make my mood light, no other judgements about him. '
She convinced herself and shut down thinking about him and started searching Arya.

.............to be continued................